19 June | EVERYONE
“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you." Proverbs 25: 21,22
Authentic Christianity goes beyond mere theory. It is not just a collection of pretty words or fancy phrases. It jumps out of the paper into everyday life, walking the most painful paths of human anguish to alleviate people's suffering.
It is good to sing hymns of praise to God. It is wonderful to hear a choir of five hundred voices accompanied by an extraordinary orchestra, but it is more spiritual and practical to offer bread to the hungry, without concern for their origin, the color of their skin, their social class, or their relationship with the helper.
Today's text is challenging. It questions our natural inclinations and invites us to return good for evil. But it is effective as well as revolutionary. On the other hand, there is little merit in helping the one you love. True love helps the enemy, the one who attacks you and seeks to offend you.
The sermon par excellence on forgiveness was preached by Jesus on Calvary. His pulpit was the cross, from which He said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34). The Redeemer and Master went beyond the beauty of poetry to enter the raw terrain of praxis.
The wise man says that if you help the one who offends you, "you will heap coals of fire on his head." In the original language, the meaning of this sentence is that you will give your enemy the spark of your love to kindle his dull heart.
Take Action
You never lose by loving. You only win, and you will be happy doing good to friends or foes. Always remember this advice. Sing "If Your Enemy Is Hungry" (if possible, with your family).